Vivek Agnihotri, the filmmaker and author, recently faced criticism on social media after he praised actress Deepika Padukone for her latest participation in Oscars. Some users on Twitter accused him of double standards and pointed out that he had previously criticized Padukone for her support of the JNU protests in 2020 and now for the oscars.
In response to the trolls, Agnihotri defended his position, stating that he believed in fairness and that people should be praised for their work regardless of their political views. He also clarified that he did not agree with Padukone’s stance on the JNU protests but respected her right to express her opinion. And now he is applauding the actress for her recent film collection. Check his tweet as under:
Well… in a new world ‘criticising someone when you disagree and appreciating when you like their act’ is called double standard.
Well, I thought it’s called ‘fairness’. Anyone who makes India’s name popular deserves appreciation unanimously. https://t.co/3Cm2qYq3ep
— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) March 4, 2023
Agnihotri’s comments highlight the importance of separating a person’s political views from their artistic contributions. It is possible to appreciate someone’s work in one area while disagreeing with their views on another. This is especially relevant in the entertainment industry, where artists come from diverse backgrounds and hold different opinions.
However, critics argue that Agnihotri’s comments are disingenuous, given his history of making controversial statements and engaging in political activism. In the past, he has been accused of promoting a right-wing agenda and using his platform to spread divisive messages. Some users also pointed out that his praise for Padukone could be seen as opportunistic, given her popularity and the success of her recent film.
In conclusion, the debate over Agnihotri’s comments highlights the complex relationship between politics and art in India. While it is important to acknowledge and respect people’s political views, it is also important to appreciate their artistic contributions. Ultimately, it is up to individuals to decide whether they can separate a person’s views from their work, and whether they are willing to support artists who hold different opinions.
